Experience of Diabetes Stigma during Established Adulthood: Unpacking the Source and Impact of Stigma in People living with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Aims: To explore the lived experience of diabetes and weight stigma in established adults (25-45) with both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and types 2 diabetes (T2D), to better understand the nature of diabetes-related stigma.
Methods: A large-scale cross-sectional survey using participant-generated text design was conducted from February to April 2024. Data were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: The study identified 91 respondents (79 T1D; 84 female; mean age 31.9; SD 4.7 years) in the established adulthood stage. Experiences are reflected in three themes: (1) Same yet Different: people with diabetes (PWD) experience stigma in similar ways, as the stigma targets from those without diabetes. However, people with T2D face additional stigma marking from those with T1D. (2) Stigma Consequences: The intersection of diabetes and weight stigma was observed to result in detrimental psychological and diabetes-management consequences. Some PWD responded by educating others and showing resilience. (3) Weight over Health Prioritisation: Healthcare professionals and social networks often prioritise weight concerns resulting in PWD feeling their diabetes health and management is overlooked.
Conclusions: PWD share stigma experiences; comparing both highlights complexities in the intersectionality between diabetes and weight-related stigma that has important implications for psychological and diabetes health.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Derby
Supervisor	Vicki Staples (Supervisor) & Paul Staples (Supervisor)